Piccadilly

by | Aug 7, 2025

Living in Piccadilly, Manchester – Area Guide for Renters, Buyers & Investors

Piccadilly sits at the heart of Manchester’s city centre – a fast-paced, vibrant hub that blends modern high-rises, historic architecture, and a buzzing social scene. Known as the city’s main transport gateway, it’s home to Manchester Piccadilly Station, which connects you to London in just over two hours and the rest of the UK with ease.

Living here means you’re minutes from some of Manchester’s best shopping, dining, nightlife, and business districts. For investors, Piccadilly is prime territory: strong rental yields, constant tenant demand, and developments that attract both young professionals and corporate tenants.

What It’s Like to Live in Piccadilly

Think of Piccadilly as the beating heart of Manchester. It’s a place where sleek apartment towers sit alongside old warehouses that have been transformed into stylish lofts. Step outside your door and you’re in walking distance of everything – the Northern Quarter’s street art, Spinningfields’ business buzz, and the Gay Village’s nightlife.

Transport is unbeatable. The Metrolink, buses, and national rail all meet here, meaning your commute could be as short as a few minutes. You’ll pay city-centre prices, but in return, you’re never more than a short stroll from Manchester’s cultural and commercial highlights.

Average Rent Prices in Piccadilly (2025)

Demand is always high here, especially for well-located, modern apartments:

  • 1-bedroom apartment – from £1,250 PCM
  • 2-bedroom apartment – from £1,600 PCM
  • Premium penthouses – £2,200+ PCM

Yields typically sit around 5–6%, with corporate lets achieving even higher returns.

Things to Do in Piccadilly

  • Piccadilly Gardens – A central green space surrounded by bars, cafés, and transport links.
  • Manchester Art Gallery – World-class exhibitions in a beautiful historic building. manchesterartgallery.org
  • Northern Quarter – Independent shops, bars, and creative spaces just a few minutes’ walk away.
  • HOME – Cinema, theatre, and arts venue with a great restaurant and bar. homemcr.org
  • Arndale Centre – Over 200 high street and designer stores. manchesterarndale.com

Pros & Cons of Living Here

Pros

  • Unbeatable transport connections
  • Walkable access to the entire city centre
  • Wide variety of dining, nightlife, and cultural venues
  • Strong rental demand for both short- and long-term lets

Cons

  • Higher rental prices than surrounding areas
  • Busy streets, especially at rush hour and weekends
  • Limited green space compared to suburban locations

Secret Local Tips

  • Choose a high-floor apartment for the best city skyline views.
  • Many professionals opt for Piccadilly because they can walk to work in Spinningfields or Ancoats in under 10 minutes.
  • Early mornings in Piccadilly Gardens are the quietest — perfect for a peaceful coffee before the day begins.

Best Secret Spots in and Around Piccadilly

Eat

  • Evelyn’s Café Bar – Stylish, plant-filled space with a seasonal menu. evelynscafebar.com
  • Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza – Widely considered one of the best pizzas in the UK. rudyspizza.co.uk

Party

  • The Pen and Pencil – Inspired by NYC’s 1960s steakhouse bars, great for late-night cocktails. thepenandpencilnq.co.uk
  • The Refuge – Opulent cocktail lounge inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. refugemcr.co.uk

Coffee

Shop

  • Afflecks – Manchester’s famous independent shopping emporium. afflecks.com
  • Selfridges Exchange Square – Luxury shopping just a 10-minute walk away. selfridges.com

Go for a Walk

  • Canal Street & Rochdale Canal Towpath – Scenic waterside strolls through the Gay Village.
  • Ancoats Marina – A hidden gem for peaceful walks near the city centre.

Who Lives in Piccadilly?

  • Young professionals who value being in the centre of everything
  • Corporate tenants looking for premium short-term lets
  • Investors wanting strong rental yields in a high-demand area
  • Creative types attracted to nearby Northern Quarter and Ancoats

Checklist – Is Piccadilly Right for You?

You want instant access to Manchester’s transport network
You prefer city-centre living with everything on your doorstep
You’re looking for a strong rental investment area
You thrive in a lively, urban environment

At RGA Property Solutions, we specialise in sales, lettings, and property management in Piccadilly and the wider Manchester area. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing, our expert local knowledge ensures you get the best results with a personal, straightforward approach.

📩 Contact us today to find out more about living in Piccadilly.